Southwestern Public Health is advising residents that mosquitoes in Aylmer have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The health unit says that the positive test came from routine testing in a mosquito trap.
This is the first positive test in Elgin County this season. The health unit conducts weekly tests of mosquito pools. Six mosquito pools have tested positive in Ontario this year and there have been two human cases reported. The health unit is reminding residents of the importance of protecting yourself from mosquitoes to avoid the West Nile Virus.
They recommend wearing long-sleeved clothing, especially if you are going to be in mosquito prone areas. Wearing bug repellent containing DEET is also encouraged. Regularly cleaning any empty bird baths or other items that may hold water such as children’s toys or outdoor pet dishes is important to prevent a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Keeping your grass mowed and bushed on your property trimmed are also preventative ways to keep mosquitoes away.
